Bourges in Central France is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral and timbered old town, Relatively compact, you can explore the town easily in a weekend. Here are the best things to do in Bourges, France.
Best Things to Do in Bourges, France
In Roman times, Bourges was known as Avaricum, and was a thriving community. Julius Caesar, whose troops laid siege to the city, described it as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Gaul.
In the Middle Ages, the capital of Cher became an important commercial centre. Bourges was actually the capital of France during the reign of Charles VII. In 1463, Louis XI founded the University of Bourges at which legal expert Jacques Cujas taught. However, the university was abolished during the French Revolution.
These days, visitors to Bourges and the Loire Valley can enjoy the historical attractions as well as some great outdoor attractions.
1. Bourges Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 and the seat of the Archbishop of Bourges, this cathedral retains most of its original features. Known as the Cathedral of Saint Stephen or Saint-Etienne Cathedral, it was built between the late 12th and 13th centuries.
St Stephen’s Cathedral stands on the former site of a Christian temple dating from the 3rd century, when the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. This important Gothic cathedral also has some Romanesque architectural details.
Most of the stained glass windows date from 1215. The exterior is incredibly rich in detail. Look carefully at the facade and you’ll spot a very cheeky gargoyle of buttocks, created by the Cathedral’s unknown master builder. In the crypt you’ll see the tomb of Jean de Berry, son of King John II of France.
Make sure to visit Bourges Cathedral Tower for the spectacular view over the town. There are two towers, the North and South but only the North tower is open to the public.
Also known as Butter Tower, as the Church financed its construction by taxing anyone eating butter during Lent, it is 65 metres high. There are 396 steps to the top. From up here, you can see the Jardin de l’Archêveché, the Archbishop’s Garden.
If you have time, pop into Bourges Tourist Office on rue Simone Veil. It’s only a 1 minute walk from the cathedral.
Address: Bourges Cathedral, Place Etienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges, France
2. Archbishop’s Garden
This charming park was created in the 17th century by a pupil of Le Nôtre, famous for having designed the gardens of Versailles. The Archbishop’s Garden is a fine example of a formal French garden, with its geometric design and topiary features.
The gardens are free to visit and have beautiful flowerbeds as well as a charming bandstand.
Address: Archbishop’s Garden, 1 Avenue Eugène Brisson, 18000 Bourges, France
3. Palais Jacques Coeur
Jacques Coeur was an extremely successful merchant, who was able to fund the construction of this unique Gothic mansion house. He was a close advisor to King Charles VII who knighted him.
The building dates from the 15th century and is a Gothic masterpiece. There are two statues on the exterior of the building representing the merchant and his wife.
Inside, you’ll find a chapel with a beautiful painted ceiling. Jacques Coeur’s motto, A coeur vaillant rien d’impossible is dotted around the building. This means for the brave of heart, nothing is impossible. It is said that Jacques Coeur had the roof timbers designed to resemble a boat.
Address: Palais Jacques Coeur, 10Bis Rue Jacques Cœur, 18000 Bourges, France
4. Museum of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France
This small but fascinating museum showcases the work of expert crafts men and women who have been awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, or Best Craftsperson in France competition was created by the French government in 1924.
Located in the Archbishop’s Palace, the museum features entries by more than 200 different trades.
Address: Museum of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, Place Etienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges, France
5. Printemps de Bourges
This annual music festival is a fixture on the French rock scene. The festival has been going strong since 1977 and takes place each Spring over 5 days.
There are more than 60 shows and 200 artists performing, with 200,000 people attending each year. 91% of the attendees are under 35 years old and there’s a real party atmosphere in town during the week.
6. Les Marais de Bourges
Bourges is a green city, set on the marshes or “Marais” as they are known in French. The marais de Bourges were also originally a means of defense for the town.
These days, they’re a pleasant network of canals and allotments, perfect for an afternoon stroll. You can easily reach the marshes from Bourges Cathedral.
Some of the 140 acres of allotments can only be reached by rowing boat. The Fete des Marais or Marshes Fair is held each September and features boat rides, guided marsh tours, music and a fireworks display.
7. Musee du Berry
The Berry Museum has a fine collection of archaeological artefacts, together with paintings by the 17th century artist Jean Boucher. On the first floor, an exhibition about life in the region in the 19th century features items and clothing of the day.
This fascinating Bourges museum is housed in a listed historical monument built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Hôtel Cujas. The collection was founded by Claude-Denis Mater in 1834. The museum entrance via an enclosed garden is very attractive.
Address: 4 Rue des Arènes, 18000 Bourges, France
8. Les Nuits Lumiere
If you can, try to visit Bourges in Summer when the major sites are illuminated by a trail of blue solar lights to follow around town. There’s a free spectacular display of medieval images projected onto the historical buildings.
You can visit from nightfall every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May, June and September and every day in July and August.
9. Bourges Artificial Lake
A popular outing with locals, the Plan d’Eau du Val d’Auron is less than 2 kilometres from the city centre. This 84 hectare artificial lake was created in 1977.
You can either walk or cycle around the perimeter of the lake or go fishing, rowing or sailing there. In Summertime, lifeguards supervise certain sections and you can swim in the water.
Another nice place to go for a walk in Bourges is the Jardin des Prés-Fichaux on Boulevard de la République. This tranquil place has many topiary sculptures.
Address: chemin Grand Mazière, 18000 Bourges, France
10. Timbered Houses
There are more than 440 timber framed houses in the centre of Bourges. Dating from medieval times, many were rebuilt after the Great Fire of La Madeleine in 1487.
Rue Bourbonnoux has some of the best examples. Rue d’Auron is a charming shopping street. The House of the 3 Flutes takes its name from the wood carving of, you guessed it, 3 flutes on the pillars in front of the door.
The birthplace of Jacques Coeur is one of the best things to see in Bourges. This medieval building in the heart of the city has a blue wood and timber facade – although some say he wasn’t actually born there.
11. Route Jacques Coeur
The oldest designated historic road in France, the Route Jacques Coeur was created in 1954. It takes the name of the influential French merchant and advisor to King Charles VII.
There are 16 sites along the route in Berry Province. These include famous wine regions such as Sancerre, as well as castles like Maupas and Menetou-Salon. The Cistercian abbey of Noirlac is also well worth a visit.
For just 5 euros, you can purchase a Jacques Coeur Privilege Pass that gives reduced entry fees to the sites along the route.
12. Rail Biking at Cosne Cours sur Loire
For something truly unique, why not try rail biking during your trip. Also known as Cyclorail, it is a sort of bike seating up to 4 people. You travel along a disused railway line in beautiful countryside.
Rail biking is a fun activity for all the family, and great exercise. The Cyclorail is a fifty minute drive from Bourges and definitely worth the trip.
Your journey starts at the longest metal railway bridge in France, built by Gustave Eiffel’s team (of the Eiffel Tower fame). Pedal away as you pass over the Loire river and a 40 metre high viaduct with views of Sancerre golf course.
Address: Cyclorail du Sancerrois, 58200 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, France
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Where is Bourges?
The capital of the Cher department, Bourges is situated almost exactly in the centre of France. This charming city is located on the Canal du Berry waterway, at the meeting point of the Yèvre and Auron rivers.
Travel to Bourges
It’s quite easy to get to Bourges. The Paris to Bourges train takes just under two hours and departs from Paris Austerlitz. If you prefer to drive, take the A71 motorway from Paris via Orleans.
There are regular international flights to Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF). From here, it’s around 1 hour and 45 minutes drive to Bourges.
Where to Stay in Bourges, France
For a relaxing stay in Bourges, here are some interesting options. There’s a treehouse not far from Bourges, an elegant bed and breakfast in the center of Bourges and an entire flat.
There are also several excellent four star hotels in Bourges. These include:
- Best Western Plus Hôtel D’Angleterre which is a 5 minute walk from Bourges Cathedral.
- Novotel Bourges which has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace.
- Villa C is located in a charming 18th century property in the centre of town. This stylish place is one of the best luxury hotels in Bourges, France.
- Hotel De Bourbon Grand Hotel Mercure Bourges – our personal favourite, situated in a former 17th century abbey with original features and contemporary bedrooms.
So is Bourges worth visiting? We think that this charming French town is definitely worth a visit. As you can see, there are many great things to do in Bourges, France from historical attractions to fun outdoor activities.
You might also enjoy:
- Famous French Landmarks
- Luxurious Towns on the French Riviera
- Luxury Villa Vacation in the South of France
- Paris Hidden Gems
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
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